Geri Kirilova is a Bulgarian-born Managing Partner at Laconia who rose from intern to partner at the same firm—an unusually homegrown VC career path—and combines Eastern European skepticism with New York agency to question assumptions and cut through founder bravado. She brings hands-on operator experience from running a Kweller Prep branch and working with Techstars IoT companies, and is known for her process-driven approach to engineering fundraising momentum and her explicit stance that warm introductions aren't required to engage with her fund.

• Advocates for accessibility in venture capital and actively encourages founders to reach out directly. Unlike many investors who rely solely on warm intros, she highlights specific success stories where her firm invested in companies that came through their website's cold pitch form or via direct cold emails.
• Dedicates significant time to democratizing access to the industry through The Venture Cooperative. She frequently promotes this community-led education program, celebrating new cohorts of fellows and emphasizing resources that help aspiring investors and founders understand the mechanics of the trade.
• Interested in B2B and enterprise software solutions, particularly within healthcare and workflow efficiency. For instance, she recently shared an investment in an AI-powered health benefit navigation platform, signaling a preference for practical, operational technology over hype-driven consumer trends.
• Critical of the current venture capital landscape, often discussing the need for structural changes regarding fund sizing and hiring practices. She shares thoughts on how traditional definitions of VC are becoming obsolete due to the massive gap between mega-funds and pre-seed funds, and pushes for genuine meritocracy that naturally leads to diverse teams.
• Values in-person community building and frequently organizes or attends casual meetups. She regularly posts about hosting AMAs, coffee gatherings, and brunches for founders and investors in cities like New York and Milan to foster collaboration and share advice on fundraising timelines.